Obtaining a water abstraction licence

As of April 2005, abstractions of less than 20m3/day do not require licensing by the Environment Agency, and furthermore there is no requirement to register a supply of less than 20m3/day with the Agency; this is entirely voluntary. However you should be aware that the Agency do have the authority to set a lower limit in certain areas of the country, and that we are obliged to inform the British Geological Survey of the construction of any boreholes greater than 15m in depth.

However, if the water is used for commercial gain it is necessary to licence the abstraction. This is something that we are happy to handle, as it can be a protracted affair, and its complexity often daunting.

If you require, we will quote for each stage of the process separately—but to ease your path through to licensing we offer a turnkey package tailored to your unique requirements.

This ensures that the length of the process is minimised and that your water savings start as soon as possible. It also leaves you free to concentrate on your own business.

Stage 1: Section 32 Application to the Environment Agency (EA).

Submit Section 32 to the EA requesting permission to drill and test pump a borehole. A map of 1:10000 or greater must be marked with the exact position of the borehole and details given of the underlying geological sequence, depth, diameter, method of construction, disposal of waste, projected flow rates etc. We can undertake this for you on receipt of the map.

Action: WB&AD Morgan Ltd.

Stage 2: Water Features Survey (WFS).

Undertake Water Features Survey to the satisfaction of the EA detailing all existing ground water and surface water features within a radius defined by them. This must encompass wells, springs, boreholes, ponds, rivers, wetland features and any other area of interest that could possibly have a bearing on this application.

Action: Client or WB&AD Morgan Ltd.

Stage 3: Drilling of Borehole and Pump Installation.

These works cannot be undertaken until we are in receipt of the requisite consents from the EA.

Action: WB&AD Morgan Ltd.

Stage 4: Pump Testing and Associated Monitoring.

Undertake pump test of borehole and monitor all sources identified by the Water Features Survey. Duration of pump test will be determined by the EA. This stage of the process is undertaken jointly between yourselves and WB&AD Morgan Ltd. The recording of data upon start-up is intensive and we find that our input during this early stage is invaluable.

Action: Client and WB&AD Morgan Ltd. Cost to be agreed.

Stage 5: Analysis of Test Pumping Data.

Undertake analysis of all test pumping data from pumping well and monitoring points. Some regions of the EA will undertake this service In-house and make no charge: However, be aware that certain areas will not. WB&AD Morgan Ltd can provide this service in a format that is acceptable to the EA.

Action: Depends on region.

Stage 6: Application Fee.

Currently £110.00 + Vat payable to the EA.

Stage 7: Advertising.

Advertise abstraction in local press and the London Gazette. Again this needs to be precise in its presentation—any variation or deviation will not be acceptable to the EA.

Upon submission of the Section 32 the EA should respond with the radius for the WFS within 15 days.

• Allow 7 days for the WFS to be undertaken and the report submitted to the EA.
• The EA should process this within a further 15 days. No engineering work must start prior to receipt of the drilling consent.
• The EA request 7 days notice prior to commencement of drilling.
• The EA request 14 days notice prior to commencement of test pumping
• The EA then have 3 months in which to decide a license.

 

Prices correct at November 2003